Chumphon: The Railway Department visited the area to follow up on the progress of the renovation of the Chumphon Canal Bridge. The initiative aims to address recurring flooding and enhance the efficiency of rail freight transport by upgrading the bridge to support the U.20 standard weight.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pichet Kunathammarak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, along with DRT officials, inspected the ongoing renovation of the Chumphon Canal railway bridge. This project involves upgrading the bridge to a 1x110.056 meter Through Truss Bridge at Telegraph Pole 473/10-12 between Saengdad Station and Thung Kha Station in Chumphon Province.
The Royal Irrigation Department has undertaken the Chumphon Flood Prevention and Mitigation Project to tackle flooding issues in Mueang Chumphon District. The project faces an obstruction due to a railway crossing over the diversion canal, with current drainage capacity far below requirements. Efforts to improve the railway bridge are underway, with the progress reported at 55.28 percent as of October 2025.
Following the site visit, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) was urged to expedite coordination with contractors to improve aspects such as bridge piers and detour construction. Additional resources have been allocated to ensure the completion of construction by March 2026, which is expected to significantly mitigate flooding in the region.
The SRT is also conducting studies to establish standards for drainage systems in railway infrastructure, aiming to reduce railway hazards. Cost estimates for improvements at ten locations have been prepared as guidelines for future construction projects.
Mr. Pichet highlighted efforts to replace or reinforce aging railway bridges across the nation. The SRT has focused on renovating bridges to meet the U.20 standard axle load. Despite budget constraints, progress includes completed renovations on some sections and ongoing efforts to secure funding for further improvements.
Bridge renovations are expected to enhance the stability and safety of train traffic, supporting freight transport more efficiently. The SRT is also working to replace wooden sleepers with steel alternatives for increased durability and reduced maintenance costs. Contracts for manufacturing steel sleepers are in preparation, aiming to improve railway infrastructure by 2025.
Mr. Pichet concluded by outlining additional double-track railway projects in the southern region, which align with national transport policies. These projects are pending Cabinet approval and budget allocation, promising to improve passenger and freight transport efficiency upon completion.